Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look back at the week's news and decides who's hot, and who's not. This week's list in...
Wheels spun and cheers echoed through Regina’s Wascana Rehabilitation Centre gym on Oct. 17, as dozens of racers, including community members, athletes, and civic leaders, took part in Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan’s second annual Wheelchair Relay.
The event brought together participants of all abilities for an afternoon of racing, fundraising and awareness, celebrating accessibility and inclusion across the city.
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Mayor Chad Bachynski was among the first to strap in for a lap, calling the experience both humbling and eye-opening.
“It’s great to see Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan host something that brings awareness to why we need to build a city that’s inclusive for everybody,” Bachynski said.
It was his first time competing in a wheelchair race, and he laughed about the challenge of steering and keeping pace.
“It’s challenging, but it really gives you a new appreciation for how people get around in different ways,” he said.
“I had a blast racing against Councillor Sarah Turnbull — maybe even an ‘at-fault collision’ in the mix — but it was amazing.”
Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan Executive Director Delynne Bortis at the Wheelchair Relay, where participants of all abilities raced for inclusion and awareness. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Spinal Cord Injury Executive Director Delynne Bortis said the relay has quickly grown into one of the organization’s most meaningful events.
“It brings the community together as a whole — the disability community and the broader community — and shows the ability of people with disabilities,” Bortis said.
Teams of four raced around a figure-eight track, each completing two laps before handing off the baton. The event also connected partner organizations such as First Steps Wellness Centre, Prairie Horde Mobility and Euro Medical, which support people with spinal-cord or mobility challenges.
For Braden Pettinger, it marked his first week on the job with Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan and his first relay as staff. The 24-year-old said the event captured exactly why he wanted to join the organization.
New staff member Braden Pettinger takes part in Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan’s Wheelchair Relay at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
“I have a spinal-cord injury myself, and I’m excited to bring that experience to help others, whether it’s funding, education or peer support and just get people together,” Pettinger said.
“It’s one of our big fundraisers for the year, but more than that, it’s a great way to get people out from the community and have some fun.”
For retired Paralympian Jessica Frotten, the day was about celebrating the community that helped her rebuild her life. The former Team Canada racer spent a decade on the national team, competing at the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships before retiring last year.
“It brings together all these organizations that support people with disabilities and shows how we can all work together to strengthen our community,” Frotten said.
Retired Paralympian Jessica Frotten smiles at the registration area during Spinal Cord Injury Saskatchewan’s Wheelchair Relay at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Originally from Yukon, Frotten moved to Regina after a car crash left her with a spinal-cord injury. She came for rehabilitation at First Steps Wellness Centre, Canada’s first spinal-cord-recovery program, and said it completely changed her life.
“Getting to race for Canada in front of a home crowd at the Pan Am Games was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said. “But seeing events like this grow in Regina gives me that same feeling of pride.”
As the final lap wrapped up, Bortis said the growing support shows the momentum isn’t slowing down.
“The more support we get, the bigger we make this thing and the better it becomes,” she said. “We plan to be back next year, even louder and faster.”
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